Sowing machine

Abstract

Seeder comprising a support (12) intended, in a service position, to be towed by an agricultural machine in a direction of advance (A), the seeder comprising: - an opening disc (14) mounted for rotation, on the support, around an opening disc pivot of axis O, so as to create a slit in the soil; - a seeder drop (18) rigidly fixed on the support and configured to, in the service position, deposit a compound in the slit;- a closing wheel (20) mounted for rotation on the support around a closing wheel pivot of axis F, so as to close, at least partially, the slot in which the compound has been deposited, the seeder being characterized in that the support comprises - a fixing base (22) to the agricultural machine, and - a rocker (24) mounted for rotation on the base (22) around a rocker pivot of axis B, the axes O, F and B1 in respective transverse planes perpendicular to the direction of advancement (A) of the seeder, the transverse plane P in which the axis B extends separating the opening disc pivot and the closing wheel pivot, the opening disc (14), the seeder chute (18) and the closing wheel (20) being successively mounted, from front to back, on the support.;

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seeder intended to be attached to an agricultural machine. Such a seeder is intended to place a compound, in particular a seed or a fertilizer, in the soil. The invention also relates to a sowing method using such a seeder. Prior art

[0002] FR 3 070 233 discloses a seed drill comprising a seeder chute opening into a slot formed in the ground by an opening disc. This seed drill includes a closing wheel allowing the slot in which the compound has been placed to be filled.

[0003] Adjusting the depth of the slot is a constant problem. This depth must be adapted to the nature of the soil, as well as to the compound to be sown.

[0004] Furthermore, this depth can be modified locally, in an uncontrolled manner, in particular when the opening disc encounters plants littering the ground or stones. Documents US 2018 / 110180 A1, EP 1 974 596 A1 and US 3 450 074 disclose the use of tilting systems to improve the control of pressure on the ground.

[0005] There is a need for a new seed drill that allows for better control of the depth of the opening disc, without having to resort to complex and expensive means, even when the opening disc encounters vegetation littering the ground, pebbles or stones.

[0006] One objective of the invention is to meet, at least partially, this need. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention provides a seeder according to claim 1.

[0008] As will be seen in more detail in the rest of the description, the rocker thus ensures a mechanical interaction between the opening disc and the closing wheel: if one of these two parts lifts, for example when a stone passes over it, the reaction of the ground on the other part tends to bring it back towards the ground. Conversely, if the opening disc sinks into the ground, the weight of the closing wheel tends to extract it, the rocker thus limiting this sinking. Advantageously, the rocker also constitutes a simple and inexpensive device.

[0009] Finally, the rocker ensures effective maintenance of the alignment of the opening disc and the closing wheel.

[0010] A seeder according to the invention may also include one or more of the following optional features: the moment of force, about the axis B, of the opening disc and / or the moment of force, about the axis B, of the closing wheel is / are adjustable; the rocker has an opening disc branch and a closing wheel branch, which carry the opening disc and closing wheel pivots, respectively, and are rotatably mounted on the base around the rocker pivot; the rocker is configured such that the distance between the rocker pivot on the one hand, and the opening disc pivot or the closing wheel pivot, respectively, on the other hand, and / or the angle, measured in a vertical longitudinal plane, of inclination with respect to a horizontal plane, of the straight line (BO) which connects the axes B and O, and / or of the straight line (BF) which connects the axes B and O,is / are adjustable; the rocker comprises: an oblong hole in which the opening disc pivot can be fixed in different positions and / or a plurality of cylindrical holes in each of which the opening disc pivot can be fixed, and / or an oblong hole in which the closing wheel pivot can be fixed in different positions and / or a plurality of cylindrical holes in each of which the closing wheel pivot can be fixed; in a vertical longitudinal plane, the angle of inclination λ between the straight line connecting the B and O axes and a horizontal plane is greater than 30° and less than 70°, and / or the angle of inclination δ between the straight line connecting the B and F axes and a horizontal plane is greater than 10° and less than 50°, and / or the distance between the B axis and the O axis is greater than 10 cm, and less than 100 cm, 80 cm, or even 50 cm or 25 cm, and / or the distance between the B axis and the F axis is greater than 25 cm and less than 100 cm, 80 cm,or even 60 cm, or even 40 cm, and / or the longitudinal distance between the B axis and the O axis is greater than 5 cm and less than 80 cm, or even 50 cm, or even 30 cm, and / or the longitudinal distance between the B axis and the F axis is greater than 15 cm, or even 25 cm and less than 100 cm, or even 80 cm, or even 50 cm, and / or the vertical distance between the B axis and the O axis is greater than 10 cm and less than 100 cm, or even 50 cm, or even 35 cm, or even 25 cm, and / or the vertical distance between the B axis and the F axis is greater than 10 cm and less than 100 cm, or even 50 cm, or even 35 cm, or even 25 cm; in a vertical longitudinal plane, the angle θ between the straight line (BO) which connects the axes B and O and the straight line (BF) which connects the axes B and F is less than 60°, preferably less than 30°; the seeder comprises a lock for immobilizing the rocker relative to the base; the immobilizing lock is adjustable so as to define a plurality,preferably an infinite number of positions in which the rocker is locked in position relative to the base; the immobilization lock comprises a screw which, in the immobilization position of the rocker, is screwed so as to rigidly fix the rocker on the base; the seeder comprises a stop, preferably adjustable, arranged so as to limit the lifting of the opening disc by rotation of the rocker; the descent of the seeder is rigidly fixed on the base; the mass of the opening disc is greater than 50 g and / less than 50 kg, and / or the mass of the closing wheel is greater than 300 g and / less than 50 kg; the share is fixed on the base and not on the rocker, the distance between the share and the peripheral edge of the opening disc being preferably less than 1 cm, preferably less than 5 mm; the rocker has the general shape of a triangular flat piece,preferably pierced with a central recess; the rocker has the general shape of two pieces, preferably flat, preferably triangular and preferably each pierced with a central recess, preferably extending substantially vertically, connected to each other by the pivots of the opening disc, closing wheel and rocker; the share extends partially between the two pieces of the rocker; the seeder comprises a single opening disc; the seeder comprises a depth limiter; the closing wheel comprises two coaxial notched wheels fixed to each other, each notched wheel preferably comprising a plurality of teeth on its periphery, the teeth of one of the notched wheels being preferably arranged in a staggered pattern relative to the teeth of the other of the notched wheels; the pivot of the opening disc is fixed to a fork mounted to rotate on the rocker about an axis which is preferably substantially vertical. Brief description of the figures

[0011] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the detailed description which follows and upon examining the plates of figures in which: [ fig 1 ] schematically represents, seen from the side, a seed drill according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; [ fig 2 ] represents a perspective view of the seeder of the figure 1 , but with other hole shapes 34 and 36; [ fig 3 ] schematically represents, seen from the side, a variant of the seeder of the figure 1 ; [ fig 4 ] schematically represents, seen from the side, a variant of the seeder of the figure 1 ; [ fig 5 ] schematically represents, in perspective, a variant of the seeder of the figure 1 ; [ fig 6 ] schematically represents, in perspective, a variant of the seeder of the figure 1 ; [ fig 7 ] schematically represents, seen from the side, a variant of the seeder of the figure 1 , [ fig 8] schematically represents, seen from the side, a variant of the seeder of the figure 1 , [ fig 9 ] schematically represents, seen from the side, a variant of the seeder of the figure 1 , [ fig 10 ] schematically represents, seen from the side, a variant of the seeder of the figure 1 , [ fig 11 ] schematically represents, in perspective, a variant of the seeder of the figure 1 , And [ fig 12 ] schematically and partially represents, in perspective, a variant of the seeder of the figure 1 . Definitions

[0012] The "service position" is typically the position in which the seeder is pulled by an agricultural machine, typically a tractor, on substantially horizontal ground, so as to sow seeds into the soil. The ground is considered firm enough to prevent the sinking of parts intended to rest on it, such as a closing wheel or a scraper.

[0013] The direction of advancement or "longitudinal direction" is the direction oriented A ( figure 1 ) according to which the seeder is intended to be towed in the service position.

[0014] A "longitudinal" distance or dimension is measured along the direction of travel. Lengths are measured along the direction of travel.

[0015] A longitudinal plane is a vertical plane parallel to the direction of travel.

[0016] The median longitudinal plane is the longitudinal plane in which the aperture disc extends.

[0017] The arrow referenced “V” is vertical and points upwards.

[0018] A "vertical" distance or dimension is measured in the vertical direction.

[0019] A transverse plane is a plane perpendicular to the direction of advancement A.

[0020] A "transverse" direction T is a horizontal direction and in a transverse plane. Thicknesses are measured in a transverse direction. A "transverse" distance or dimension is measured in a transverse direction.

[0021] In this description, the adjectives "lower", "upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "in front", "behind", "forward", "rear", "right", "left" and "lateral" are defined in relation to the direction of advancement (arrow A therefore points to "forward").

[0022] A part is "fixed" to another part when it is rigidly fixed to the latter or when the possible movements are guided. The fixing can be direct or by means of one or more other parts, for example by means of an adapter.

[0023] The equivalent diameter of a section or opening is the diameter of a disc having the same area as the section or opening.

[0024] The verbs "to understand" or "to behave" or "to present" should be interpreted in a non-restrictive manner, unless otherwise indicated. Detailed description

[0025] As shown in the figure 1 , in a preferred embodiment, a seed drill 10 according to the invention comprises a support 12 intended to be fixed on a transverse beam 13 and on which are successively mounted, from front to rear, an opening disc 14, a share 16, a seed drill descent 18, and a closing wheel 20.

[0026] Preferably, the opening disc 14, the ploughshare 16, the seed drill descent 18 and the closing wheel 20 extend substantially in a common plane, preferably vertical.

[0027] Conventionally, the opening disc 20 is intended, in the service position and when the seeder is towed in the direction of advance, to form a slot in the ground S. The ploughshare 16 is intended to clear the earth well in front of the seeder chute 18, and preferably to widen the slot. The seeder chute 18 is intended to guide a compound, conventionally seeds, to the bottom of the slot. In one embodiment, it is introduced into the slot so as to open near the bottom of the slot. The closing wheel 20 is intended to roll on the slot, so as to close it after the compound has been deposited there.

[0028] Preferably, the various parts of the seeder comprise, or are made of, high elastic limit steel, or "HLE", or stainless steel. These parts can be locally reinforced with tungsten carbide and / or anti-abrasion welding. Support

[0029] The support 12 is the structure which makes it possible to secure the opening disc 14, the share 16, the seed drill descent 18 and the closing wheel 20 to the beam 13.

[0030] The support comprises a base 22 and a rocker 24.

[0031] The base 22 conventionally comprises a prop 21 with, at an upper end, a fastening attachment to the beam 13. The beam 13 conventionally comprises means of fastening, not shown, to an agricultural machine, conventionally to a tractor.

[0032] At its lower end, the base 22 carries the share 16 and the seed drill descent 18. The share 16 and the seed drill descent 18 are conventionally rigidly fixed to the prop.

[0033] The rocker 24 is rotatably mounted on the base 22 around a rocker pivot of axis B extending in a transverse plane, preferably horizontal.

[0034] The rocker 24, preferably in one piece, comprises an opening disc branch 26 and a closing wheel branch 28, which respectively carry, preferably at their respective lower ends, the opening disc and closing wheel pivots, with axes O and F, respectively, on which the opening disc 14 and the closing wheel 20 are mounted for rotation, preferably for free rotation. The axis B of rotation of the rocker 24 on the base 22 preferably passes through the junction region of the two branches 26 and 28.

[0035] According to the invention, the pivots of the opening disc and the closing wheel 20 are separated by the transverse plane P in which the axis B extends.

[0036] Preferably, the axes B, O and F are parallel, preferably horizontal.

[0037] The axes O and F are preferably in respective transverse planes, and are preferably horizontal.

[0038] The rocker 24 also preferably comprises a stiffening branch 30 connecting the lower ends of the opening disc and closing wheel branches together. The rocker 24 thus has the general shape of a bracket. The central recess 32 between the three branches advantageously limits the weight of the rocker 24.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in figure 2, the rocker 24 comprises two plates 24 1 and 24 2 , preferably of substantially the same shape, preferably triangular in shape, preferably each with a central recess 32, which, in the operating position, extend substantially vertically on each side of the median longitudinal plane, and which are connected to each other by the opening disc, closing wheel and rocker pivots. The opening disc, closing wheel and rocker pivots thus provide a spacer function. This simple design gives the seeder great robustness.

[0040] Preferably, the base 22 passes through the space between these two plates.

[0041] Preferably, the rocker pivot passes through the base 22 and serves as a spacer between the plates 24 1 and 24 2 .

[0042] Preferably, in a vertical longitudinal plane, as shown in the figure 1 For example, the angle of inclination λ between the straight line (BO) which connects the axes B and O and a horizontal plane, is greater than 30° or 40° and / or less than 70° or 60°, and / or the angle of inclination δ between the straight line (BF) which connects the axes B and F and a horizontal plane, is greater than 10° or 20° and / or less than 50° or 40°, and / or the distance between the axis B and the axis O is preferably greater than 10 cm, preferably greater than 15 cm and / or less than 25 cm, preferably less than 20 cm, a distance of 17 cm being the most preferred, and / or the distance between the axis B and the axis F is preferably greater than 25 cm, preferably greater than 30 cm and / or less than 40 cm, preferably less than 35 cm, a distance of 34 cm being the most preferred, and / or the longitudinal distance between the B axis and the O axis, or “opening lever arm”, is preferably greater than 5 cm, preferably greater than 10 cm and / or less than 30 cm, preferably less than 25 cm,preferably less than 20 cm, and / or the longitudinal distance between the B axis and the F axis, or "closing lever arm", is preferably greater than 25 cm, preferably greater than 30 cm and / or less than 50 cm, preferably less than 40 cm, preferably less than 35 cm, and / or the vertical distance between the B axis and the O axis is preferably greater than 10 cm, preferably greater than 15 cm and / or less than 25 cm, preferably less than 20 cm, and / or the vertical distance between the B axis and the F axis is preferably greater than 10 cm, preferably greater than 15 cm and / or less than 25 cm, preferably less than 20 cm; the vertical distance between the O axis and the F axis is preferably less than 10 cm, preferably less than 5 cm.

[0043] The angle θ between the line (BO) which connects the axes B and O and the line (BF) which connects the axes B and F can be greater than 60°, greater than 70° and / or less than 100°.

[0044] The angle θ is preferably less than 90° or 80°, 70°, 50°, 30°, 10°, or even substantially zero. Such an angle makes it possible to bring the center of inertia of the rocker closer to the rocker pivot. The lateral displacement of the rocker and the rotation of the rocker around a vertical axis, in particular under the effect of a transverse force exerted on the opening disc, on the share or on the closing wheel, are advantageously reduced. In service, the alignment of the opening disc, the seeder descent, the optional share and the closing wheel is thus improved. The sowing operation is advantageously more precise.

[0045] As illustrated for example on the figure 8 , an angle θ greater than 10° or 20° or 30° can however be useful to move the tilt pivot away from the ground, and thus avoid an accumulation of plants.

[0046] The mass of the opening disc 14 is preferably greater than 0.5 kg, preferably greater than 1 kg, preferably greater than 5 kg, and / or less than 50 kg, preferably less than 30 kg, preferably less than 20 kg, or even less than 15 kg.

[0047] The mass of the closing wheel 20 is preferably greater than 0.3 kg, preferably greater than 1 kg, preferably greater than 5 kg, and / or less than 50 kg, preferably less than 30 kg, preferably less than 20 kg, or even less than 15 kg.

[0048] In one embodiment, the moment of force, around the axis B, of the “opening assembly” constituted by the opening disc 14 and by the part of the rocker 24 which extends, relative to the plane P, on the side of the opening disc and / or the moment of force, around the axis B, of the “closing assembly” constituted by the closing wheel and by the part of the rocker 24 which extends, relative to the plane P, on the side of the closing wheel is / are modifiable.

[0049] Preferably, the opening lever arm and / or the closing lever arm and / or the mass of the opening assembly 14 and / or the mass of the closing assembly 20 is / are modifiable.

[0050] Preferably, at least one of the opening disc branch 26 and the closing wheel branch 28 is shaped in such a way that the distance at rest (i.e. when the seeder is not being towed) between the rocking pivot on the one hand and the pivot of the opening disc and the closing wheel pivot, respectively, on the other hand is adjustable.

[0051] For example, the opening disc leg 26 may have several holes 34, preferably cylindrical, into which the opening disc pivot can be inserted, the holes 34 being arranged such that the distance between the rocker pivot and the opening disc pivot depends on the hole into which the opening disc pivot is inserted.

[0052] Likewise, the closing wheel branch may have several holes 36, preferably cylindrical, into which the opening disc pivot can be inserted, the holes 36 being arranged in such a way that the distance between the rocker pivot and the closing wheel pivot depends on the hole into which the closing wheel pivot is inserted.

[0053] Other equivalent solutions, well known to those skilled in the art, are conceivable.

[0054] For example, the opening disc branch 26 may have an elongated hole 34' ( figure 2 ) receiving the opening disc pivot, and along which the opening disc pivot can be locked in different positions, the hole 34' being shaped so that the distance between the rocking pivot and the opening disc pivot depends on the position in which the opening disc pivot is locked.

[0055] Similarly, the closing wheel branch may have an elongated 36' hole ( figure 2 ) receiving the closing wheel pivot, and along which the closing wheel pivot can be locked in different positions, the hole 36' being shaped so that the distance between the rocking pivot and the closing wheel pivot depends on the position in which the closing wheel pivot is locked.

[0056] Preferably, the vertical distance between the B axis and the O axis and / or the vertical distance between the B axis and the F axis are modifiable.

[0057] The skilled person also knows solutions for modifying the angle between the opening disc and closing wheel branches. In particular, the two branches can be mounted to rotate one on the other, in the manner of a compass, and provided with a lock adapted to ensure their immobilization relative to one another, in the desired angular position. For example, the two branches can be immobilized relative to one another by pressure of one branch on the other between a screw head and a nut screwed onto this screw. Of course, to modify the angle between the opening disc and closing wheel branches, the rocker must not include the stiffening branch.30. These solutions can also be implemented to modify the angle of inclination of the opening disc branch or the closing wheel branch relative to a horizontal plane.

[0058] Preferably, as shown in the figure 4, the support carries at least one scraper 37, configured to "rub" on the ground in the service position so as to push earth into the slot. In one embodiment, the scraper penetrates the ground superficially, that is to say to a depth, measured in a vertical direction, of less than 15 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, preferably less than 1 mm.

[0059] Preferably, the transverse distance between the median longitudinal plane and the scraper 37 is less than 20 mm, preferably 10 mm, preferably 5 mm. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in the figure 4 , this distance is approximately zero, that is to say that the scraper comes into contact with the edge of the slot. The scraper therefore scrapes the edge of the slot.

[0060] More preferably, the seeder comprises a cleaner 41, fixed on the support so as to remove the earth deposits which adhere to the closing wheel ( Figure 5 ) or the opening disc. In one embodiment, the cleaner rubs on the closing wheel or the opening disc, or is spaced therefrom by a distance of less than 5 mm.

[0061] The cleaner 41 may be made of steel. Preferably, in the wear areas, it comprises tungsten carbide and / or anti-abrasion welding.

[0062] In a particularly advantageous embodiment illustrated in the figures 9 And 12, the seeder comprises a member for making the rocker 24 fixed relative to the base 22, called the “immobilization lock”. Activation of the immobilization lock of the rocker 24 advantageously makes it possible to modify the operation of the seeder, for example to adapt it to ground strewn with stones. In particular in this situation, the lock can be activated and the opening disc 14 removed. The ground is then split by the ploughshare 16, which, unlike the opening disc, can advantageously effectively spread laterally the stones with which it comes into contact.

[0063] It is also possible to dismantle the closing wheel 20.

[0064] This modularity makes it possible to adapt the seeder according to the invention to the terrain on which it is towed.

[0065] Activating the tipper immobilizer lock also makes it easier to transport the seeder on the road.

[0066] Preferably, the lock is adapted to allow immobilization of the rocker in different angular positions around the rocker axis B. In one embodiment, the lock consists of a screw which cooperates with a thread, the immobilization position of the rocker varying with the degree of screwing of the screw into the thread.

[0067] For example, as shown in the figures 9 And 12 , the lock may comprise a screw 46 provided with two nuts 47 and 48, which passes through an oblong hole 50 provided in a plate 49 fixed, preferably welded to the rocker 24. The screw 46 may be screwed into a thread 51 provided in a flat iron or other support secured to the base 22. Preferably, as in this example, the share 16 (or an adapter on which the share is fixed) is fixed to the prop 21 by means of a stirrup fixing 29 and the thread 51 is preferably provided in a plate 52 of the stirrup fixing.

[0068] This screwing can thus lead to an immobilization of the rocker relative to the base. By screwing the screw more or less, the distance between the base and the rocker can be modified, and therefore the angular position of the immobilized rocker.

[0069] The screw 46 preferably extends in a longitudinal plane. It preferably extends horizontally in the service position.

[0070] Of course, a screw could alternatively be immobilized on the base, respectively the rocker and come to be screwed onto the rocker, respectively the base.

[0071] Any type of rocker immobilization lock is possible. For example, a pin passing transversely through the rocker and the base is possible.

[0072] In the embodiment of the figure 10, the securing of the share (or an adapter on which the share is fixed) on the prop comprises a second stirrup attachment 33 similar to the stirrup attachment 29, for the attachment at two points of the share on the prop, while allowing the rotational mobility of the rocker 24 relative to the base, the stirrup attachment 29 being above the axis B of the pivot of the rocker and the stirrup attachment 33 being located below the axis B, as visible. In this example, the rocker 24 comprises an adapter 19 which carries the share 16, the seed drill descent 18 and the pivot of the axis B rocker, the adapter being fixed to the prop 21 using the stirrup attachments 29 and 33.

[0073] In one embodiment, the seeder comprises a stop limiting the rotation of the rocker and on which the rocker rests, preferably at least when neither the opening disc nor the closing wheel rests on the ground, for example when the seeder is suspended by the prop during transport of the seeder on the road. In particular, in this position, the moment of force exerted by the closing wheel may be greater than that exerted by the opening disc, so that the opening disc tends to lift. The stop is preferably arranged so as to limit the lifting of the opening disc.

[0074] Preferably, the stop is shaped so that, in the stop position, in a vertical longitudinal plane, the angle between a horizontal plane and the straight line (OF) which connects the axes O and F is less than 60°, preferably less than 40°, preferably less than 20°, preferably less than 10°, or even substantially zero.

[0075] Preferably, the stop is adjustable so as to allow a modification of this angle.

[0076] Preferably, the stop can be deactivated.

[0077] In the embodiments of the figures 9 And 11 , the stop is obtained by the support of the screw 46 of the immobilization lock described above on the edge of the threaded orifice 51 into which said screw 46 can be screwed. Opening disc

[0078] The opening disc 14 is preferably of generally discoidal shape in order to ensure the opening of a continuous slot. In one embodiment, it extends in a substantially vertical plane, which facilitates its penetration into the earth.

[0079] In one embodiment, its axis of rotation is inclined, relative to a horizontal plane, by an angle greater than 3°, greater than 5°, greater than 6°, and / or less than 10°, preferably less than 9°, preferably less than 8°. The slot is thus inclined. The performance for cutting plants on the ground is improved.

[0080] The opening disc 14 preferably has a diameter greater than 10 cm, greater than 20 cm, greater than 25 cm, and / or less than 100 cm, less than 70 cm, less than 50 cm, less than 40 cm or less than 35 cm, a diameter of 30 cm being preferred.

[0081] The thickness of the opening disc 14, measured at 10 mm from its peripheral edge, is preferably less than 20 mm, preferably less than 15 mm, preferably less than 10 mm, preferably less than 8 mm, or even less than 5 mm, or even less than 3 mm, or even less than 2 mm, and / or greater than 1 mm. More preferably, the peripheral edge of the opening disc 14 is tapered.

[0082] In one embodiment, the opening disc 14 carries one or two cylindrical belts coaxial with the opening disc 14 and shaped to rest flat on the ground and limit sinking into the ground.

[0083] In another embodiment, the opening disc 14 carries a depth limiter, that is to say a device which mechanically limits the sinking of the opening disc into the ground. The depth limiter may for example be constituted by one or two cylindrical belts coaxial with the opening disc 14, each fixed on a large face of the opening disc, and shaped to rest flat on the ground.

[0084] In one embodiment, the opening disc 14 does not carry a depth limiter. The rocker can indeed advantageously perform this function.

[0085] In one embodiment, the opening disc 14 is mounted on a suspension 38 ( figures 3 Or 7 ), for example comprising a jack, in particular hydraulic or pneumatic, by screw or spring. The suspension is preferably shaped to elastically push the opening disc 14 towards the ground.

[0086] In one embodiment illustrated in the figure 10 , the pivot of the opening disc 14 is fixed on a fork 45 rotatably mounted on the rocker 24 around a pivot 23 with a preferably substantially vertical axis. This allows the opening disc 14 to be movable in rotation to be able to follow a curved trajectory, for example when the tractor turns, without forcing the opening disc 14 and the rocker 24.

[0087] Preferably, the pivot 23 does not extend in the same transverse plane as the pivot of the opening disc when the opening disc extends in the same plane as the closing wheel. Advantageously, when the seeder is towed, the pivot of the opening disc can thus be placed behind the pivot 23, as illustrated in the figure 10 , in a stable position. Soc

[0088] The ploughshare 16 preferably extends substantially vertically.

[0089] Preferably, the ploughshare has the shape of a plate, the lower part of which enters the slot in the operating position. The width of the lower part, measured transversely, is preferably greater than that of the peripheral part of the opening disc used to form the slot. This width is preferably greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 12 mm, or even greater than 14 mm and / or less than 30 mm, preferably less than 25 mm, preferably less than 20 mm. Such a width is well suited to the deposition of seeds.

[0090] The ploughshare 16 can be fixed on the support 12, preferably on the base 22 of the support 12, for example using fixing screws 56 as visible in the figures 8 And 9 at a greater or lesser distance from the ground. Preferably, the ploughshare 16 extends, at least partially, between the two plates 24 1 and 24 2 .

[0091] Preferably, the ploughshare 16 is detachably attached to the support. Advantageously, the ploughshare 16 can be detached from the seeder without having to detach the entire support, which allows ploughshares of various shapes to be attached to the support.

[0092] The ploughshare 16 preferably extends perpendicularly to the median longitudinal plane. It may extend vertically or preferably be inclined rearwardly, forming an angle with a transverse plane preferably greater than 5°, 10°, and / or less than 50°, 30°.

[0093] The ploughshare 16 is preferably reinforced with tungsten carbide.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, the distance d between the ploughshare 16 and the edge of the opening disc is less than 1 cm, preferably less than 5 mm. The ploughshare 16 can thus advantageously block plants so that they are cut by the opening disc ( figure 4 ). As shown in the figure 4, the shape of the ploughshare 16 is preferably determined so that, under the effect of the advancement of the seeder, it guides the plants towards a constriction 35 defining a zone of maximum approach of the ploughshare 16 to the opening disc. As shown in the figure 4 , the ploughshare 16 is preferably configured to form, with the opening disc, a sort of funnel converging towards the constriction 35.

[0095] Particularly in the mode of realization of the figure 10 , the opening disc 14 is preferably mounted so that the distance between its peripheral edge and the ploughshare is less than 2 cm, preferably less than 1 cm, or even less than 0.5 cm, or even substantially zero. At point 31, the ploughshare is thus in contact with the ploughshare 16. Advantageously, this proximity facilitates the cutting of the plant material which would be present at this point 31. The opening disc 14 can of course be adjusted to be further away from the ploughshare 16. Seeder descent

[0096] The seeder descent 18, which preferably has the general shape of a tube, opens through an upper opening and a lower opening. The upper opening is intended to be placed in communication with a source of the compound to be deposited, for example a reservoir of seeds or phytosanitary product (not shown), which may in particular be integral with the traction engine or the support 12, preferably with the base 22. The lower opening is intended to be arranged in the slot or above the slot, preferably widened or consolidated by the passage of the ploughshare 16.

[0097] The equivalent diameter of the seed drill descent is preferably greater than 5 mm, preferably greater than 8 mm, or even greater than 10 mm and / or less than 60 cm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably less than 40 mm, 30 mm, preferably less than 25 mm. Closing wheel

[0098] The closing wheel 20, preferably substantially vertical, is intended to close the widened slot in which the compound has been deposited.

[0099] The closing wheel 20 is conventionally mounted to rotate, preferably freely, on the support.

[0100] In one embodiment, the closing wheel 20 is mounted on a suspension 39, for example comprising a jack, in particular hydraulic or pneumatic, by screw or spring ( Figure 5 ). The suspension is preferably shaped to elastically press the closing wheel 20 onto the ground.

[0101] In one embodiment, the closing wheel 20 is not mounted on a suspension shaped to elastically press the closing wheel 20 onto the ground. The rocker can indeed advantageously perform this function.

[0102] The closing wheel 20 preferably has a diameter greater than 10 cm, preferably greater than 20 cm, and / or less than 100 cm, less than 70 cm, less than 50 cm, less than 35 cm or less than 30 cm, a diameter of 25 cm being preferred.

[0103] The width of the closing wheel 20, measured transversely, is preferably greater than 1 cm, preferably greater than 2 cm, preferably greater than 3 cm, more preferably greater than 4 cm, preferably greater than 5 cm and / or less than 15 cm, preferably less than 10 cm, preferably less than 8 cm.

[0104] In the embodiments of the figures 8 to 11, the closing wheel 20 comprises two coaxial notched wheels 20 1 and 20 2 rigidly fixed to each other. The distance between the two notched wheels 20 1 and 20 2 may be less than 2 cm, in particular less than 1 cm. Each notched wheel 20 1 or 20 2 comprises teeth 40, the number of which is less than 50, preferably less than 40, preferably less than 30, and / or greater than 10, preferably greater than 20.

[0105] The teeth 40 are preferably equiangularly distributed around the periphery of each notched wheel.

[0106] Each tooth 40 has a section, in a plane containing the axis of rotation of the closing wheel and the center of the tooth, preferably of triangular shape.

[0107] Each tooth 40 has an internal face 61 and an external face 62, preferably substantially planar. The internal faces 61, preferably planar, each extend in a respective plane forming with a vertical plane an angle preferably greater than 10°, in particular greater than 20°, or even 30°, better still 40° and / or less than 90°, in particular less than 80°, or even 60°, in particular less than 50°, for example an angle equal to approximately 45°.

[0108] Each tooth 40 preferably has a height greater than 2 cm, in particular greater than 3 cm, or even greater than 4 cm and / or less than 10 cm, or even 9 cm, in particular less than 8 cm, or even less than 7 cm.

[0109] The width of the teeth 40, at their base, is preferably greater than 1 cm, or even greater than 3 cm, in particular greater than 4 cm and / or less than 10 cm, or even less than 9 cm, in particular less than 7 cm, preferably less than 6 cm.

[0110] Preferably, the flanks 43 of two adjacent teeth 40 meet so that no incoming edge appears.

[0111] The tops of the teeth of a toothed wheel preferably extend along a circular contour, or "ridge line." The distance between the ridge lines of the two toothed wheels is preferably less than 10 cm, preferably less than 7 cm, or even less than 6 cm, and / or greater than 3 cm, preferably greater than 4 cm.

[0112] The two notched wheels 20 1 or 20 2 are preferably made up of a notched annular rim and spokes 44 which connect the rim to the wheel bearing. Functioning

[0113] The operation of a seeder according to the invention results directly from the preceding description.

[0114] The support is attached to beam 13, which itself is attached to a tractor, then pulled over the land to be sown, depending on the direction of travel.

[0115] The support of the closing wheel 20 on the ground causes a reaction of the ground whose moment, around the axis B, tends to push the opening disc 14 into the ground. A simple adjustment of the vertical distance between the axis B and the axis O and / or of the vertical distance between the axis B and the axis F makes it possible to define a minimum driving depth.

[0116] By means of the rocker 24, the weights of the opening assembly and the closing assembly 20 exert opposing moments of force about the axis B. The moment resulting from the weight of the opening assembly thus opposes the sinking of the opening disc into the ground.

[0117] In one embodiment, at least one of these moments of force is modifiable, preferably by changing the corresponding lever arm, i.e. changing the longitudinal distance between axes B and F and / or the longitudinal distance between axes B and O, and / or by changing the mass of the opening assembly and / or the closing assembly, preferably by changing the mass of the opening disc and / or the mass of the closing wheel, respectively, and / or the mass of the opening disc branch and / or the mass of the closing wheel branch.

[0118] The invention thus also relates to a kit comprising a seeder according to the invention and one or more removable masses 42 which can be fixed on the opening disc and / or the closing wheel and / or the rocker, in particular the opening disc branch and / or the closing wheel branch and / or the stiffening branch, as shown in the figure 6 .

[0119] Advantageously, these simple modifications make it possible to adjust the penetration pressure of the opening disc into the ground, and therefore to define a maximum penetration depth.

[0120] It is thus possible to easily adapt the depth of the slot to the compound to be sown and / or to adapt to the nature of the soil.

[0121] Preferably, said opposing moments are both high, which ensures very good stability.

[0122] As it advances, the opening disc 14 creates a narrow slit. The opening disc 14 acts like a pizza cutter. Advantageously, the soil does not need to be prepared.

[0123] However, when the opening disc 14 comes into contact with plants littering the ground, these plants tend to push the opening disc out of the ground. This action of the plants results in an increase in the reaction of the ground on the closing wheel 20, which itself is reflected by an increase in the penetration pressure of the opening disc. The efficiency for cutting these plants is considerably increased. In addition, the opening disc can instantly adapt the cutting action it exerts on the plants, without human intervention.

[0124] The ploughshare 16, housed in the slot, preferably has a thickness greater than the width of the slot. It therefore helps to widen and consolidate it, which facilitates the deposition of the compounds at the bottom of the slot. The compounds, for example seeds, are then gradually sown in the widened slot, by means of the seed drill descent 18.

[0125] After a seed has been deposited in the slot, the slot is at least partially filled with the closing wheel 20, which rolls over the slot.

[0126] The rocker, forming a rigid assembly, ensures good alignment of the opening disc and the closing wheel, which allows the closing wheel to roll precisely on the slot.

[0127] As is now clear, a seed drill according to the invention makes it possible to control the depth of the opening disc without having to resort to complex and expensive means.

[0128] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, provided for illustrative purposes only.

[0129] In particular, the shapes of the rocker and the branches of the opening disc, closing wheel, and optionally stiffening, may be different from those described above.

Claims

1. Seeder having a support (12) intended, in a service position, to be drawn by an agricultural vehicle in a direction of forward travel (A), the seeder having: - an opening disc (14) mounted to rotate, on the support, about an opening disc pivot of axis O, so as to create a furrow in the ground; - a seed dropper (18) rigidly fastened to the support and configured to, in the service position, deposit a compound in the furrow; - a closing wheel (20) mounted to rotate, on the support, about a closing wheel pivot of axis F, so as to close, at least partially, the furrow in which the compound has been deposited, the opening disc (14), the seed dropper (18) and the closing wheel (20) being successively mounted, from the front towards the rear, on the support (12), the support having - a base (22) for fastening to the agricultural vehicle, - a share (16), disposed between the opening disc (14) and the seed dropper (18), the support having a rocker (24) mounted to rotate on the base (22) about a rocker pivot of axis B, the rocker bearing respectively the opening disc pivot and closing wheel pivot, such that, in the service position, if the opening disc or the closing wheel lifts, the reaction of the ground on the closing wheel or the opening disc, respectively, tends to return the opening disc or the closing wheel, respectively, towards the ground, the axes O, F and B extending in respective transverse planes perpendicular to the direction of forward travel (A) of the seeder, the transverse plane P in which the axis B extends separating the opening disc pivot and the closing wheel pivot, the seeder being characterized in that the seed dropper (18) and / or the share (16) is / are fastened rigidly to the base (22).

2. Seeder according to the immediately preceding claim, wherein the distance between the share (16) and the peripheral edge of the opening disc is less than 1 cm, preferably less than 5 mm.

3. Seeder according to either one of the preceding claims, wherein, in a vertical longitudinal plane, the angle Θ between the straight line (BO) that connects the axes B and O and the straight line (BF) that connects the axes B and F is less than 60°.

4. Seeder according to the immediately preceding claim, wherein the angle Θ is less than 30°.

5. Seeder according to any one of the preceding claims, having a latch for immobilizing the rocker with respect to the base, the immobilizing latch preferably being adjustable so as to define a plurality of positions in which the rocker is blocked in position with respect to the base.

6. Seeder according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a stop, which is preferably adjustable, disposed so as to limit the lifting of the opening disc by rotation of the rocker.

7. Seeder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moment of force, about the axis B, of the opening disc (14) and / or the moment of force, about the axis B, of the closing wheel (20) is / are adjustable.

8. Seeder according to the immediately preceding claim, wherein - the distance between - the rocker pivot on the one hand, and - the opening disc pivot or the closing wheel pivot, respectively, on the other hand, and / or - the angle, measured in a vertical longitudinal plane, of inclination (λ, δ) with respect to a horizontal plane, of the straight line (BO) that connects the axes B and O, and / or of the straight line (BF) that connects the axes B and F, is / are adjustable.

9. Seeder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rocker (24) has: - an oblong hole (34') in which the opening disc pivot can be fastened rigidly in various positions and / or a plurality of cylindrical holes (34) in each of which the opening disc pivot can be fastened rigidly, and / or - an oblong hole (36') in which the closing wheel pivot can be fastened rigidly in various positions and / or a plurality of cylindrical holes (34') in each of which the closing wheel pivot can be fastened rigidly.

10. Seeder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in a vertical longitudinal plane, - the angle of inclination λ between the straight line (BO) that connects the axes B and O and a horizontal plane is greater than 30° and less than 70°, and / or - the angle of inclination δ between the straight line (BF) that connects the axes B and F and a horizontal plane is greater than 10° and less than 50°, and / or - the distance between the axis B and the axis O is greater than 10 cm and less than 80 cm, and / or - the distance between the axis B and the axis F is greater than 25 cm and less than 80 cm, and / or - the longitudinal distance between the axis B and the axis O is greater than 5 cm and less than 80 cm, and / or - the longitudinal distance between the axis B and the axis F is greater than 15 cm and less than 100 cm, and / or - the vertical distance between the axis B and the axis O is greater than 10 cm and less than 50 cm, and / or - the vertical distance between the axis B and the axis F is greater than 10 cm and / or less than 50 cm.

11. Seeder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rocker has the overall shape of two substantially vertical flat pieces (241, 242), which are connected to each other by the opening disc pivot, closing wheel pivot and rocker pivot.

12. Seeder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closing wheel (20) has two coaxial crenellated wheels (201, 202) that are fastened to each other, each crenellated wheel having a plurality of teeth (40) on its perimeter, the teeth of one of the crenellated wheels preferably being disposed staggered relative to the teeth of the other of the crenellated wheels.

13. Seeder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pivot of the opening disc (14) is fastened to a yoke (45) mounted to rotate on the rocker about an axis (23), which is preferably substantially vertical.

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